Prep football picks: Durango, Las Vegas get nods to win regionals

Spencer Patterson

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | 11:28 a.m.

A .500 record through two weeks of the playoffs puts a .750 season percentage in jeopardy, with just five games remaining to pick in 2001. This week's games look relatively easy to predict on paper, with Las Vegas and Durango coming in with just one loss apiece. But when Cheyenne is involved, anything is possible, and the same goes for any team with big John Ford on the field.

Friday's Games

CHEYENNE (6-5) at DURANGO (10-1), 7 p.m.

Two coaching changes removed from last season, few thought the Desert Shields would still be playing, yet the Cheyenne rollercoaster rides on after playoff wins over Gorman and Cimarron. Durango, meanwhile, has had a tough road, looking impressive in close wins over fellow Sunset powers Palo Verde and Centennial. That sets up a classic matchup: the speedy, athletic Shields vs. the physically dominant Blazers, with the region's lone state berth on the line. Show up late, and you could miss the first half, as both clubs like to keep the ball on the ground, Cheyenne in its recently installed Wing T formation and Durango with its smash-mouth attack behind the area's top offensive line. Despite the presence of offensive play makers on both sides, don't look for a high-scoring affair here. The Shields' defense has allowed just 14 points per game in its last six contests, while the Blazers have yielded more than 14 points just once all season. That means field position, special teams! and turnovers will likely decide the outcome, with Durango kicker Fred Coleman possibly in line for a second straight game-winning field goal attempt.

Pick: Durango 10, Cheyenne 7

LAS VEGAS (10-1) at FOOTHILL (8-3), 7 p.m.

Both teams are assured of state berths, so Friday night will be a battle for pride and playoff seeding, with a long trip to Reno or Elko awaiting the loser. The Wildcats have been Southern Nevada's most impressive club this season, going undefeated against local foes and racking up 10 straight wins since their opener. The Falcons have come on strong since a 17-point loss to Las Vegas in their regular season finale, routing Rancho in round one and pulling out a thrilling last-minute victory over Desert Pines last week. In that game, Foothill tailback John Ford played like a man possessed, rushing 40 times for nearly 350 yards and a whopping six touchdowns, much of that long after he'd shaken off the first would-be tackler. He'll find the going much tougher this week, however, against a Wildcat defense that has held opponents to a mere 6.7 points per game si nce the start of conference play. This game will likely be decided on the other side of the ball where the Falcons' defense will have its hands full with state leading rusher Antione White one week after being bullied by Jags' running back Cornell Johnson.

Pick: Las Vegas 33, Foothill 23

Last week: 2-2. Season: 88-30 (.746)